| Apparatus, and associated method, for demonstrating an operational capability of a radio device -> Monitor Keywords |
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Apparatus, and associated method, for demonstrating an operational capability of a radio deviceRelated Patent Categories: Telecommunications, Radiotelephone System, Programming ControlApparatus, and associated method, for demonstrating an operational capability of a radio device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060154655, Apparatus, and associated method, for demonstrating an operational capability of a radio device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a manner by which to demonstrate operational capabilities of a portable radio device, such as a mobile station operable in a cellular, or other, radio communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus, and an associated method, by which to select and thereafter to cause demonstration of the selected operational capability at the mobile station. [0002] A demonstration mode is provided. When operated in the demonstration mode, the selected mobile-station capability is demonstrated even if operating conditions preclude actual operation, in an operational mode, of the mobile station in a manner that otherwise would demonstrate the selected operational capability. End users, training personnel, prospective customers, and others are able to view the operational capability of the mobile station through placement of the mobile station in the demonstration mode and selection of the operational capability to be demonstrated. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Advancements in communication technologies have permitted the development and deployment of many new types of communication devices usable by which to effectuate many different types of communication services. [0004] In general, a communication service is effectuated by, or between, communication devices. The communication devices variously form sending stations that operate to send communication data and receiving stations that operate to receive communication data. Communication data sourced at, or otherwise provided to, a sending station is communicated to a receiving station by way of a communication channel. [0005] Some communication devices operate both to send and to receive communication data, thereby to permit two-way communication of data between a set of communication devices. The communication devices are sometimes constructed to be operable to communicate communication data upon radio channels defined upon portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. A communication system in which the communication devices are interconnected by radio channels, thereby communicate by way of the radio channels, is referred to as a radio communication system. [0006] A radio communication system advantageously provides for communications even when the communication devices operable therein can not be interconnected by way of wirelines upon which communication channels are defined. A wireline communication system, in contrast, requires that the communication devices operable therein be interconnected by way of wireline connections. Free of the need to interconnect the communication devices with such wireline connections, the communication devices of a radio communication system are positionable at locations between which wireline connections are unavailable. Additionally, free of the need to interconnect the communication devices with wireline connections, one, or more, of the communication devices between which data is communicated is permitted mobility, thereby permitting the radio communication system to form a mobile communication system. [0007] A cellular communication system is exemplary of a mobile communication system. Network infrastructures of cellular communication systems of various constructions, i.e., constructed pursuant to various standard operational specifications, have been installed throughout significant portions of the populated areas of the world. Voice and data communication services are effectuable by way of cellular communication systems. Increasingly data-intensive communication services are permitted through use of new-generation cellular communication systems. Users communicate telephonically, typically through the use of portable communication devices that are sometimes referred to as mobile stations. A mobile station is a radio transceiver, capable of communicating with a communication entity of the network infrastructure of a cellular communication system in whose coverage area that the mobile station is positioned. A mobile station includes radio transceiver circuitry, i.e., forms both a receiving station and a sending station to permit two-way communications with the communication entity of the network infrastructure. A mobile station is typically of small dimensions to permit its hand carriage by a user. [0008] In some aspects, a mobile station operable in a cellular communication system corresponds to a conventional telephonic handset and includes microphonic and speaker transducers and a telephonic keypad. A mobile station also typically includes a user display for displaying information in visual, or other human perceptible, form. The user displays of many mobile stations are formed of liquid crystal displays having multiple-color display capabilities and high pixel-density configurations. [0009] Mobile stations are sometimes constructed to incorporate capabilities that provide advancements over earlier-constructed mobile stations and to provide user-interface, and other, capabilities that provide new or unique advantages through their use. The unique capabilities of a mobile station also sometimes provide manufacturers and sellers of the mobile station with marketing advantages. That is to say, selection for purchase or other use of a mobile station is sometimes, if not often times, made as a result of the unique capabilities of the mobile station. [0010] However, particularly when the mobile-station capability is first provided at the start of a production cycle, the capability, although perhaps incorporated into the functionality of the mobile station, is not readily usable as the communication system in which the mobile station is to be operated fails to provide the functionality permitting the mobile-station capability to be evident to a user of the mobile station. Or, particularly with respect to pre-production models, the operability of the feature-providing part of the mobile station associated with the mobile-station capability is not fully working, that is, is not free of defects. The capability of the mobile station might again not be evident to a user or perspective purchaser if the capability-providing feature is not fully operational at the mobile station. [0011] A mechanism by which to demonstrate a capability of a mobile station irrespective of whether the capability-producing feature of the mobile station is fully operational or whether the mobile station is positioned in a communication system that permits the capability to be evidenced would be beneficial. [0012] It is in light of this background information related to mobile stations, or other radio devices, operable in a radio communication system that the significant improvements of the present invention have evolved. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013] The present invention, accordingly, advantageously provides apparatus, and an associated method, by which to demonstrate operational capabilities of a portable radio device, such as a mobile station operable in a cellular, or other, radio communication system. [0014] Through operation of an embodiment of the present invention, a manner is provided by which to select, and thereafter to cause, demonstration of the selected operational capability at the mobile station. [0015] A demonstration mode in which the mobile station is selectably operable is defined. When the mobile station is selected to be operated in the demonstration mode, a selected mobile-station capability is permitted to be caused to be demonstrated even if operating conditions preclude actual operation, in an operational mode, of the mobile station in a manner that would otherwise demonstrate the selected capability. [0016] Through the demonstration of the selected mobile-station capability when the mobile station is operated in the demonstration mode, the mobile-station capability is evidenced to one viewing the mobile station. In the event, e.g., that the functionality at the mobile station or of the network with which the mobile station operates does not otherwise permit the mobile-station capability to be evidenced when the mobile station is operated in a normal operating mode, the advantages associated with the mobile-station capability are still demonstrable through operation of the mobile station in the demonstration mode. [0017] A prospective end user, such as a prospective purchaser of the mobile station is thereby able to view the operation of the mobile station in a manner to evidence the mobile-station capability even when the mobile station, when operated in the operational mode, would be unable to evidence the capability. Sales personnel are able, thereby, better to promote sales of a mobile station having the mobile-station capabilities in the event that evidencing of the capabilities would otherwise be unavailable in a normal operational mode. Training personnel, or the like, also are able better to provide instruction regarding operation of the mobile station in a manner that evidences the mobile-station capability as the capability is caused to be evidenced irrespective of the availability of the display of the capability when the mobile station is operated in a normal operational mode. In a training, or other, scenario, the mobile station need not even be a working mobile station, i.e., operational in an operational mode. The mobile station need only be constructed to be operable in the demonstration mode to evidence the capability of the mobile station. [0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the mobile station is constructed to provide a plurality of mobile-station capabilities. Any of the plurality of mobile-station capabilities is selectably caused to be demonstrated when the mobile station is operated in the demonstration mode. More than one mobile-station capability is selectable for demonstration of its capability. The capabilities are cause to be demonstrated, for instance, sequentially responsive to selection of a list of more than one mobile-station capability. Or, each of the plurality of capabilities are caused to be demonstrated, one after another, in a pre-ordained sequence. The list of mobile-station capabilities is changeable. For instance, the software determinative of the operation of the mobile station and its capabilities is sometimes upgraded. As a result of a software, or other upgrade, additional capabilities are sometimes added to the mobile station. The additional capabilities are listed, available for selection when the mobile station is operated in the demonstration mode to evidence the additional mobile-station capability or capabilities. Deletion from the list, also, is permitted, e.g., in the event that the capability is removed from the mobile station or if demonstration of the capability need no longer be demonstrated. [0019] In one implementation, a user of the mobile station selects operation of the mobile station in the demonstration mode and also selects which of the mobile-station capabilities that are to be caused to be demonstrated. Selection is made, for instance, through actuation of an actuation key, such as a key of the telephonic keypad, of the mobile station. In one implementation, the user of the mobile station first selects, through actuation of an actuation key, to place the mobile station in the demonstration mode. And, thereafter, the user of the mobile station selects which of the mobile-station capabilities to be caused to be demonstrated while the mobile station remains in the demonstration mode. The user further is able to cause the mobile station to be removed out of the demonstration mode, such as back into an operational mode, when desired. [0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the mobile station includes a user interface having a user display. The selections made by the user of the mobile station are made responsive to display of information upon the user display. In one implementation, a user display lists the modes in which the mobile station is operable, i.e., to include at least an operational mode and a demonstration mode. And, an additional display is displayable on the user display to list the mobile-station capabilities who demonstration can be caused when the mobile station is placed in the demonstration mode. [0021] As the demonstration mode and the demonstration of the selected mobile-station capability permits the selected mobile station capability to be evidenced even when the capability can not be evidenced when the mobile station is operated in an operational mode, the advantages and features provided by the capability are more readily available for viewing by a user of the mobile station. [0022] In these and other aspects, therefore, apparatus, and an associated method, is provided for a mobile station that includes at least a first mobile-station capability. A capability demonstrator is selectably operable to demonstrate the at least the first mobile-station capability of the mobile station. An initiator is selectably for initiating operation of the capability demonstrator. In response to initiation of the operation by the initiator, the capability demonstrator causes demonstration of the at least the first mobile-station capability of the mobile station. 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